With Microsoft officially announcing the retirement of Skype in May 2025, the search for a reliable and cost-effective alternative for international calls is underway. As one of the pioneers of global telecommunication, Skype played a crucial role in keeping people connected across borders. However, with its phase-out approaching, individuals and businesses need an affordable solution that delivers high-quality voice and video calls without excessive costs.
If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly replacements for Skype, we’ve compiled a list of top alternatives offering competitive international calling rates and VoIP services.
Top Skype Alternatives
1. FroggyTalk – The Most Affordable International Calling App
- Best for: Cost-conscious users who make frequent international calls
- Key Features:
- Low-cost international calls to mobiles and landlines
- No internet required for recipients (an upgrade to Skype, which needed both users to be online)
- Multi-language support
- Referral program for earning free credits
- Simple and seamless mobile app for Android and iOS
FroggyTalk is built for affordability, offering some of the lowest rates for international voice calls without sacrificing quality. Unlike Skype, which required an internet connection on both ends, FroggyTalk allows you to call any mobile or landline without the recipient needing an app or data. This makes it an excellent replacement for those who relied on Skype for international calling.
2. WhatsApp – Free App-to-App Calling
- Best for: Free internet-based calls and messaging
- Key Features:
- Free app-to-app voice and video calls
- Encrypted messaging and file sharing
- Works on mobile and desktop
While WhatsApp is free, it only allows calls between users who have the app installed. It’s a great option for staying in touch with family and friends who also use WhatsApp, but it doesn’t support calling regular landlines or mobile numbers.
3. Viber – VoIP Calling & Messaging
- Best for: A Skype-like experience with added messaging
- Key Features:
- Free calls between Viber users
- Viber Out: Capacity to call non-Viber numbers
- Messaging and media sharing feature
Viber is a good alternative for those who want both messaging and VoIP calling. However, the cost of Viber Out for calling non-users varies depending on the country, making it less predictable for budget-conscious users.
4. Google Voice – Free US-Based Calling
- Best for: US-based users who need a free VoIP service
- Key Features:
- Free calls within the US
- Voicemail transcription
- Call forwarding and SMS
Google Voice is useful for those in the US looking for a free calling solution within the country, but its international rates can be expensive. It’s not the best choice for those making frequent international calls.
5. FaceTime – Best for Apple Users
- Best for: Apple users who want high-quality video and voice calls
- Key Features:
- High-definition video and voice calls
- End-to-end encryption for security
- Group video calling
FaceTime is only available on Apple devices, so it’s not a universal Skype replacement. However, for those in the Apple ecosystem, it provides seamless, high-quality calling.
Which Skype Alternative Should You Choose?
| Service | Free Calls | Calls to Landlines & Mobiles | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FroggyTalk | ✅ Yes, for new users | ✅ Yes, at affordable rates | International calling |
| ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Free app-to-app calls | |
| Viber | ✅ Yes | ✅ (Viber Out) | Messaging & calling |
| Google Voice | ✅ (US only) | ✅ (Paid) | Free US calling |
| FaceTime | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Apple users |
For the most affordable international calling replacement for Skype, FroggyTalk is the best option. It is an upgrade on Skype’s voice-call core functionality but at a fraction of the cost.
